Alessandro Diamanti has explained the thinking behind his signing of a long term contract at Bologna.

Alessandro Diamanti has explained the thinking behind his signing of a long term contract at Bologna.

The set piece specialist, formerly something of a journeyman but now an established Italy international, signed a new five year deal on Wednesday.

“I had a few offers but I wanted to stay in Bologna,” states the 29-year-old in today's Corriere dello Sport. “It was a simple decision as I want to continue the project with Coach Stefano Pioli and with the city itself, as both have been extraordinary to me.”

Diamanti has also inherited the club captaincy, after former armband wearer Marco Di Vaio's move to MLS outfit Montreal Impact in June.

“The captaincy is a huge honour, which I will cherish even after I leave here. But at the end of the day we are a collective unit, and one that I see going on to achieve great things this season,” enthused the former West Ham midfielder.

“I have faith in that notion and we must live up to it on Sunday against Chievo.”